Venezuela’s Digitel has confirmed its aim of launching a VoLTE offering in 2023.
CommsUpdate notes that the operator has completed the virtualisation of its packet core, enabling the launch of such services. Digitel is also planning to introduce fixed wireless access (FWA) connectivity to connect regions where fibre optic connectivity is unviable.
Digitel president Luis Bernardo Perez said that the operator has laid the groundwork for these services by investing US$125 million into its network across the past two years, improving its transport network in Caracas and making 770 4G base stations ready for 5G. The operator has been cleared to use its 900MHz (2G/3G) and 1800MHz (4G) spectrum to offer 5G services.
Perez said: “The possibility of having this [5G] network depends on all of the technological adaptations that the company plans to carry out in the short and medium term, which also includes the placement of more 4G LTE stations and the migration of current clients on the 3G network to fourth generation networks.”